Pot and pan washing machine

ABSTRACT

An improved pot and pan washing machine is provided including a pump discharge entering a wash tank generally below a pump intake. Jet nozzles expel fluid from a discharge manifold located below an intake manifold along a wall of a wash tank.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/775,465 filed Jul. 10, 2007, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/744,666 filed Dec. 23, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,246,624, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/947,484 filed Sep. 6, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,739,348 and a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/724,486 filed Nov. 26, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,976,496, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/947,485 filed Sep. 6, 2001, now abandoned, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to improvements in a pot and pan washing machine. More specifically the present invention relates to improvements within the wash tank portion of a pot and pan washing machine, including an improved discharge manifold arrangement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pot and pan washing machines, of the type used in restaurants, institutions and other eating facilities often involve a large wash tank or basin in which water is circulated about the pots and pans to provide a washing action. One such machine is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,773,436 issued to Cantrell et al., the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The machine of Cantrell includes a wash tank with multiple jets evenly spaced apart at an elevated position along the rear wall of the wash tank. The tank is filled with water to a level above the position of the jets. Pots and pans are placed in the wash tank, and a pump is activated to draw water from within the wash tank and direct it through the jets to create a jet stream. Each jet directs its jet stream toward the bottom wall of the wash tank, the bottom wall then deflects the jet stream upward and towards the front wall of the tank. The front wall then deflects the upward moving jet stream towards the rear wall of the tank, and the rear wall deflects the jet stream downward and back towards the front wall along the bottom wall. The combination of deflections of the jet stream from the bottom, front and rear walls provides a rolling washing action within the wash tank.

The basic components of the wash tank of the pot and pan washing machine of the prior art are shown in FIG. 1. Wash tank 10 includes end walls 12 and 14, rear side wall 16, front side wall 18 and bottom wall 19. A pump can be attached to either end wall; in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, pump 50 is attached to right end wall 14. An impeller located within pump 50 is driven by electric motor 56. The impeller draws fluid into pump inlet 52 through an intake port (not shown) located in end wall 14. The fluid is then discharged from the pump through pump outlet 54 and into outlet manifold 60. Outlet manifold 60 includes a ninety degree turn, and several other turns, to direct the fluid across the back side of rear wall 16 and out jet nozzles 20 which are protruding through and extending from rear wall 16. The intake port associated with pump inlet 52 is covered by perforated (holes, voids, mesh, etc.) intake manifold 30. Intake manifold 30 includes handle 36 and is removably supported within wash tank 10 for easy cleaning. Intake manifold 30 fits tightly between outer runner 32 and inner runner 34, each of which extends vertically from bottom wall 19. Heating element 40 is positioned between intake manifold 30 and end wall 14 for its protection and to maximize the use of space.

Although the prior art pot and pan washing machine disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,773,436 provides an exceptional wash action, many of the components discussed above hinder the overall efficiency and performance of the machine. The inventions disclosed in U.S. application Ser. Nos. 09/947,484, 09/947,485, and 10/744,666 provide components that greatly increase the overall efficiency and performance of the machine, including improvements to the intake and discharge manifolds, jets, pump and system assembly methods. Nevertheless, it is often difficult to maintain suitable lifting action within the front portion of the wash tank to maintain the washing action, particularly when large, generally flat items are located toward the bottom front of the wash tank. Such items will tend to “stick” toward the bottom of the tank by the initial downward jet stream. The downward force from the jet stream can create a pinning action of certain types of items, and these items will not roll and rotate with the wash action, resulting in theses items remaining substantially soiled. Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide a pot and pan washing machine including a wash action(s) that is suitable for washing a large variety of items of varying sizes, shapes and weights.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a cost efficient pot and pan washing machine having exceptional efficiency and performance characteristics. Another object of the present invention is to provide a pot and pan washing machine including a wash action(s) that is suitable for washing a large variety of items of varying sizes, shapes and weights.

According to the above described objects of the instant invention, a pot and pan washing machine is provided including an improved discharge and intake manifold arrangement. The discharge manifold of the instant invention is positioned generally along the length of a wall of the washing machine with at least one jet (nozzle or other opening from the discharge manifold into the washing machine) discharging fluid from a location below the intake manifold. This arrangement provides a rolling action that initiates from a location generally towards the bottom of the wash tank. As a result, the rolling wash action within the wash tank is able to flow under items located at the bottom of the wash tank and “sticking” is reduced or even eliminated.

The foregoing and other objects are intended to be illustrative of the invention and are not meant in a limiting sense. Many possible embodiments of the invention may be made and will be readily evident upon a study of the following specification and accompanying drawings comprising a part thereof. Various features and subcombinations of invention may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of the best modes in which the applicant has contemplated applying the principles, are set forth in the following description and are shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above of a prior art pot and pan washing machine with a portion of the front and one side wall of the wash tank cut away to better illustrate certain interior construction details.

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a pot and pan washing machine of an embodiment of the instant invention.

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a pot and pan washing machine of another embodiment of the instant invention.

FIG. 4 is a front cross-sectional view of the pot and pan washing machine of FIG. 3.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the drawing figures, therein is shown an optimum form of the subject pot and pan washing machine with essentially all features usable to increase performance, versatility and efficiency therewithin. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are hereinafter described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The operation of the pot and pan washing machine described hereinafter is substantially similar to the operation of the prior art machine described above. The instant invention provides significant features that increase the performance, versatility and efficiency of the pot and pan washing machine.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4, preferred embodiments of the wash tank of the inventive pot and pan washing machine are shown. The wash tank/basin of the embodiment of the instant invention discussed herein is constructed in essentially the same manner as the wash tanks of the prior art. In addition it is understood that pump 150 could be attached to any other wall of the wash tank, or otherwise located separate from the wash tank and connected to the interior of the wash tank via a hose or other piping. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that alternative dimensions, shapes and sizes the wash tank and tanks walls may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant invention. Flow directing openings 120 expel water from discharge manifold 125 which is mounted along or adjacent to the tank wall 116. Intake manifold 130 is mounted within wash tank 110 along the tank or adjacent to the wall 116, generally above flow directing openings 120.

FIGS. 2-4 show discharge and intake arrangements in which flow directing openings 120 are located at varying heights below intake manifold 130. In FIG. 2 the lowest flow directing opening is located somewhat above bottom wall 119. Alternatively, in FIGS. 3 and 4 the lowest flow directing opening is generally adjacent to bottom wall 119. This allows intake manifold 130 to be located at a lower height along tank wall 116 than in the embodiment of FIG. 2. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that different height arrangements of flow directing openings 120 may be utilized depending upon the wash action desired. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that flow directing openings 120 may be located at a variety of different heights within a single washing machine. For example, FIG. 2-4 show flow directing openings 120 positioned at two different heights. Alternative arrangements may be utilized with flow directing openings all at a single height, or at 3 or even more varying heights. In addition, it will be appreciated that the angle of discharge of each flow directing opening 120 may differ to create varying wash actions within wash tank 110.

Although all flow directing openings 120 shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 2-4 are located below intake manifold 130, it will be appreciated that one or more flow directing openings may also be located above intake manifold 130 depending upon the wash action that is desired with wash tank 110.

In some embodiments, one or more flow directing openings may be located in different walls (i.e. one or more flow directing openings in tank wall 116 and one or more flow directing openings in bottom wall 119). Furthermore, it will be appreciated, that although the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2-4 include intake manifold 130 and discharge manifold 125 along tank wall 116 of wash tank 110, those components may be located along any wall of wash tank 110 without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant invention.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2-4, discharge manifold 125 is mounted within wash tank 110; nevertheless, it will be appreciated that discharge manifold may be located at the exterior of wash tank 110 and include flow directing openings 120 mounted directly along the wall of wash tank 110. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that one or more intake manifolds may be utilized to create the appropriate flow of fluid to the flow directing openings.

It will be appreciated that intake manifold 130 obtains an enclosed interior within a front portion of the manifold, tank side wall 116, end walls 112 and 114, and top of discharge 125. Thus, the walls of the pot and pan washing machine also act as walls for the intake manifold, and the inlet (not shown) that extends through end wall 112 from pump 150 is the inlet to intake manifold 130. Nevertheless, it is understood that in alternative embodiments of the instant invention, the inlet to the intake manifold can be located in any of the walls of the washing machine, or even be separate from the walls of the machine. In one alternative embodiment, the front wall of the intake manifold is a perforated portion of tank wall 116 of the washing machine, and the remaining walls of the intake manifold are located at the exterior of wash tank 110.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, intake manifold 130 includes a void concentration that increases as the distance from the pump intake increases. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that alternative intake structures may be utilized, including but not limited to an intake having even void concentration across the entire intake, without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant invention.

Although the flow directing openings of the embodiment shown are nozzles flush mounted to tank wall 116 of the wash tank, it will be appreciated that any type of flow directing opening now known or hereinafter developed may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant invention.

In operation, wash tank 110 is filled full of water, soap and pots and pans to a level above all jet nozzles and the intake 130. The soapy water, or fluid is drawn through the perforations (voids or holes) in intake manifold 130 by pump 150. The fluid enters pump 150 through an intake inlet in a first direction that is generally parallel to tank wall 116. The fluid is discharged from the pump through an outlet into an outlet manifold. Flow directing openings 120 divert the fluid from the outlet manifold into a jet stream directed generally toward the opposing portion of bottom wall 119. The jet stream is deflected from the walls of wash tank 110 to create a rolling wash action in a manner substantially similar to that of the prior art. Nevertheless, the origination of the jet stream across the bottom of wash tank 110 reduces the effect of items “sticking” to the bottom during washing. Although the preferred embodiment of the instant invention utilizes the parallel flow pump arrangement described above, it will be appreciated that alternative pump and manifold arrangements may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant invention.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the description and illustration of the inventions is by way of example, and the scope of the inventions is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

Certain changes may be made in embodying the above invention, and in the construction thereof, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not meant in a limiting sense.

Having now described the features, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which the inventive pot and pan washing machine is constructed and used, the characteristics of the construction, and advantageous, new and useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts and combinations, are set forth in the appended claims.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween. 

1. A pot and pan washing machine comprising: a wash tank including bottom wall, two long walls and two side walls extending upwardly from said bottom wall; an intake port in one of said walls; an outlet manifold associated with one of said walls; a parallel flow pump including: a pump inlet associated with said intake port, said pump inlet having an intake path in a first direction, and a pump outlet associated with said outlet manifold, said pump outlet having an outlet path in a second direction, said second direction being generally parallel to said first direction; a perforated intake manifold positioned to cover said intake port; and at least one opening in association with said outlet manifold to expel at a predetermined angle a stream of fluid from said outlet manifold; wherein said at least one opening is located at a height generally below a height of said intake port.
 2. The pot and pan washing machine as claimed in claim 1 further including at least one other opening located at a height generally above said height of said intake port.
 3. The pot and pan washing machine as claimed in claim 2 wherein said at least one other opening includes a predetermined angle that differs from said predetermined angle of said at least one opening.
 4. A pot and pan washing machine comprising: a wash tank including a bottom wall, a rear wall, a front wall and two side walls extending upwardly from said bottom wall; an intake port in one of said walls; an outlet manifold associated with one of said walls; a pump including: a pump inlet associated with said intake port, and a pump outlet associated with said outlet manifold; at least one opening in association with said outlet manifold to expel at a predetermined angle a stream of fluid from said outlet manifold, said opening including: a directing tube flush connected at an outer end to said wall associated with said outlet manifold and including an inner end extending into said outlet manifold; and a perforated intake manifold within said wash tank positioned to cover said intake port; wherein said at least one opening is located at a height generally below a height of said intake port.
 5. The pot and pan washing machine as claimed in claim 4 further including at least one other opening located at a height generally above said height of said intake port.
 6. A pot and pan washing machine comprising: a wash tank including bottom wall, two sidewalls and two end walls extending upwardly from said bottom wall, said side walls being longer than said end walls; an intake port in one of said walls; an outlet manifold associated with one of said side walls; a parallel flow pumping system including: a pumping system inlet associated with said intake port, said pump inlet having a linear intake path in a first direction, and a pumping system outlet associated with said outlet manifold, said pump outlet having a linear outlet path in a second direction, said second direction being generally parallel to said first direction; a perforated linear intake manifold extending in said first direction and positioned to cover said intake port; and at least one opening in association with said outlet manifold to expel at a predetermined angle a stream of fluid from said outlet manifold; wherein said at least one opening is located at a height generally below a height of said intake port.
 7. The pot and pan washing machine as claimed in claim 6 further including at least one other opening located at a height generally above said height of said intake port.
 8. A pot and pan washing machine comprising: a wash tank; a pump for circulating fluid within said wash tank; at least one opening associated with an outlet of said pump for directing a stream in said wash tank; and an intake manifold including an inlet associated with said pump for withdrawing fluid from within said wash tank into said pump, said intake manifold including at least one intake surface including a plurality of voids extending from within said wash tank through said intake surface and into said intake manifold, said voids being arranged such that a void concentration increases as a distance from said inlet increases; wherein said at least one opening is located at a height generally below a height of said intake manifold.
 9. The pot and pan washing machine as claimed in claim 8 further including at least one other opening located at a height generally above said height of said intake port.
 10. A pot and pan washing machine comprising: a wash tank; a pump for circulating fluid within said wash tank; at least one opening associated with an outlet of said pump for directing a stream in said wash tank; and an intake manifold including an inlet associated with said pump for withdrawing fluid from within said wash tank into said pump; wherein said at least one opening is located at a height generally below a height of said intake manifold.
 11. The pot and pan washing machine as claimed in claim 10 further including at least one other opening located at a height generally above said height of said intake port.
 12. The pot and pan washing machine as claimed in claim 10 wherein said intake manifold generally extends along the length of a wall of said wash tank.
 13. The pot and pan washing machine as claimed in claim 12 wherein said intake manifold includes at least one intake surface including a plurality of voids extending from within said wash tank through said intake surface and into said intake manifold, said voids being arranged such that a void concentration increases as a distance from said inlet increases.
 14. The pot and pan washing machine as claimed in claim 10 wherein said pump comprises a parallel flow pump including: a pump inlet associated with said inlet, said pump inlet having an intake path in a first direction, and a pump outlet associated with said at least one jet nozzle, said pump outlet having an outlet path in a second direction, said second direction being generally parallel to said first direction.
 15. The pot and pan washing machine as claimed in claim 10 wherein said at least one opening includes a directing tube flush connected at an outer end to a wall of said wash tank and further includes an inner end extending into an outlet manifold. 